The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

No matter how soon retailers start pushing holiday deals, nothing says Christmastime quite like a poinsettia.

Wrapped in its foil, the poinsettia’s deep green leaves are topped with a smattering of bright red foliage.

Poinsettias (Species: Euphorbia pulcherrima) are as deceptive as they are festive. While they appear to be flowers with blooms, they are actually plants with bracts—colorful leaves, which makes sense because blooms are too delicate for winter conditions. Even the bracts are prone to chills.

To ensure healthy poinsettias upon arrival, cover with a cloth for transportatio...